Recent Blog Posts

Navigating New Oil Storage Rules: A Look at ANSI/IIAR 6-2025

October 7th, 2025

The world of industrial refrigeration is constantly evolving, with new standards and updates emerging to improve safety and efficiency. One recent publication, ANSI/IIAR 6-2025, has introduced a change regarding the storage of oil within machinery rooms. This update impacts how facilities manage their compressor oil and highlights a temporary but important difference with an existing […]

Oil Analysis

September 23rd, 2025

Question: What is oil analysis, and am I required to do it? Answer: Oil analysis refers to when an oil sample is taken out of an ammonia compressor and sent to a lab for analysis. The results of the analysis indicate whether the compressor oil has degraded to a point where it needs to be […]

Pipe Plugs and Caps in Ammonia Refrigeration Systems

September 16th, 2025

Question: Are oil drain valves and service valves required to be plugged or capped when not in use? Answer: Yes. All shut-off valves connecting equipment or piping to the atmosphere must be plugged, capped, blanked, or locked closed when they are not in use. ANSI/IIAR 2-2021 §13.3.2.6 states “Shut-off valves connecting ammonia-containing equipment or piping […]

Ammonia Release | Relief Valve Set Pressure

September 2nd, 2025

Summary In February 2024, the installation of a relief valve with the wrong set pressure resulted in the release of a small quantity of ammonia. Release calculations were not performed since the estimated release amount was below 100 lbs of ammonia.  Incident Description Contractors were in the process of replacing relief valves throughout the system […]

Vibration Analysis

February 18th, 2025

Vibration analysis is a predictive maintenance task for rotating machinery that can help identify potential problems before they become a larger issue. Compressor manufacturers typically recommend that vibration analysis be performed on a semi-annual basis. For example, Frick recommends performing vibration analysis every six (6) months, and more frequently if vibration levels increase. Many refrigeration […]